A new video was released on Friday showing inmates at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center carrying out a violent attack on prison guards on September 18.
The attack, which happened around 6:20 p.m., sent five officers to the hospital, including one who was “repeatedly stabbed approximately 12 times,” authorities said.
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Corrections Officers Federated Union (MCOFU), which released the video, said in a statement that while the video is “horrifying,” it is not surprising.
“The video shocks the conscience,” the statement said. “Suffice it to say, the MCOFU Board of Directors is stunned, shocked and angry at the level of brutality in this video; but sadly not surprised. We have alerted the DOC to this. Our officers continue to get injured. This horrific video speaks for itself. Change must come, and change must come soon.”
The stunning footage shows a prisoner swinging at the head of an unsuspecting officer, with another prisoner joining in the attack moments later.
The fight lasts for about a minute, until other officers arrive.
According to union president Dennis Martin, inmates at the prison have smashed smartphones and used metal strips to make homemade weapons.
Union leader lashes out at Massachusetts Department of Corrections after officer stabbed 12 times in ‘brutal’ attack on prison
“What the MCOFU Executive Board wishes to mention in particular is the courage and the will to survive and protect each other, as is clearly visible when you watch the tape,” the MCOFU statement continued. “These men who were attacked were fighting for their lives. They were fighting for themselves, they were fighting for each other, they were fighting to get home to their families, and they survived as a result….. You deserve the highest praise and admiration for your actions that day, and on behalf of all your brothers and sisters across the Commonwealth, you certainly have that.”
The union’s board is calling for a full security review and overhaul of all security-related policies, procedures and protocols in all Massachusetts prisons.
“We’ve been here before,” the MCOFU said. “ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Our members never want to be here again.”
The Department of Corrections referred Boston 25 News to their earlier comment that they have launched an “extensive investigation” to determine the facts and circumstances and that a “full security assessment” of the facility is also underway.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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